Just after breaking her wrist, Liza Minnelli performs at breast cancer benefit with sister Lorna Luft

News release from Liza Minnelli publicist Scott Gorenstein:

Liza Minnelli redefined the word trouper Monday night in New York when she appeared at an event to benefit The Actors Fund’s Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative and Tower Cancer Research Foundation’s Dr. Philomena McAndrew Fund despite having broken her wrist the night before.

The legendary entertainer broke her wrist in 3 places while rehearsing at home Sunday evening. Although her doctors pleaded with her to stay at the hospital the Academy-Award winner insisted on performing alongside her sister at Birdland.

The intimate evening of cabaret was hosted by Minnelli’s sister Lorna Luft who went public with her recent battle against breast cancer.

It had been 20 years since the two sisters performed together; the last time was their memorable duet for the 1993 Tony Awards.

“This event means the world to me,” said Luft. “I’m so grateful to be feeling so well and performing again.”

The two daughters of Judy Garland sang the medley they first made famous at the 1993 Tony Awards.

“Nothing was going to stop me from coming here tonight,” Liza said backstage beforehand. “Lorna asked me to be here and I wouldn’t let her down.”

Immediately following their performance, which resulted in a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd, Minnelli went immediately back to the hospital for further treatment.